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    Mini-Review: G2 Screen Protectors for PDAs

posted 8:42am EST Wed Mar 05 2003 - submitted by palmsolo

MINI-REVIEW
I have owned many PDAs over the years and have tried various forms of screen protection. With my older Palm devices I simply put Scotch tape over the Graffiti area and it worked fine. After I bought a Pocket PC I tried the HP-branded slip-on protectors, which always moved around and actually ended up scratching the screen on my Jornada 548. I went naked on my 568, and in about three months the screen developed fine scratches in the area where I used Fitaly every day. I even had an expensive PDAPanache stylus to help prevent scratches. Well, after selling all my gear and getting my new CLIΙ NX70V and Dell Axim, I decided I wanted to keep my display in mint condition, and went searching for a suitable screen protector.

I did my research and narrowed my choices down to the WriteRight, Brando, and G2 protectors. I didn't really want an adhesive, but something that was clear and did not impact the screen quality. I decided on the G2 protectors from PDA Screen Protectors after reading several reviews. I ordered a couple pairs and promptly received them in the mail from Canada. The package includes an instruction sheet, a lint-free cloth, and the protectors. I also bought the two-part cleaning kit for a couple of bucks.



I had just received my NX70 a week before the protectors arrived, so the display was in mint perfect condition. Using the advice of other owners I took a shower to add steam to the room and to ensure my hands were very clean and lint/oil free. Installation on my CLIΙ was tough, and I ended up damaging one of the two protectors. I tried again and was able to get it on after a bit of trimming off the bottom.

I am a very patient man, and spent about 10-15 minutes with each protector, but found it almost impossible to install. I e-mailed PDA Screen Protectors and promptly received a reply that the company did not yet have a CLIΙ NX series to test, and the display should have been the same as the NR series. The tech reps were then able to get their hands on a unit, and sent me some updated instructions.

I tried them with a replacement protector that was also promptly sent, and with a little variation on the instructions I was able to get it on rather quickly. There are still a couple of minor dust pieces under the protector, but it doesn't shift around and is not visible with the display turned on.

Installation on my Axim was a breeze and only took about two minutes following the instructions. I put it on before I even turned on my device after its initial charging period so I could ensure my screen remains free from stylus scratches.


Look closely and you'll see the protector

I have had the protectors on for a couple of weeks and am very happy with their quality and functionality. The protector has the same slippery, shiny appearance as the default display top layer. I prefer my stylus to slip around easily on my display and have been pleased with the tactile feel. I now have no inhibitions playing games and tapping away on my display, where in the past I was always a bit tentative. I have seen no scratching of the protector, and it is simple to wipe clean with my optical cloth.

While installation may be a bit difficult on some devices, the protection provided is well worth it. PDA Screen Protectors' customer service has been outstanding, and much better than I ever expected. The company stands behind its product, and if you have an issue the reps are willing to work with you to ensure you end up a satisfied customer.

USER COMMENTS 15 comment(s)
Yawn...... (8:45am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
... this is um, intresting. - by Super Fantastic Man
it's true (8:47am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
if you roll em up they are great for doing lines of coke off hookers asses. - by Wake Up!
lol (9:12am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
or Britney's ass for that matter! - by OopsIdiditagain
Hooah! (10:11am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
I've to agree that PDA Screen Protectors' customer service is really outstanding! - by lyf
I like my home made protector (11:18am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
I use a home made protector made from overhead projector clear sheets. I print the cut out templates and my name on the graffiti area. Many people think I have my name and address engraved on the graffiti area when it is actually on the protection sheet. - by I like diy
I've tried the WriteRights... (11:31am EST Wed Mar 05 2003)
and the went on fairly simply, but it seems "grainy" on my Tungsten T. Maybe on a lower-rez palm device that's OK, but it's noticable when I move the unit and view it from angles...

I know it's not dust, as I was really careful about removing any from the screen and did it in a fairly clean room. Also, it is so uniform, that it couldn't be dust.

Maybe I'll give these G2's a shot.
- by myrkat
blaaaaah (8:35pm EST Wed Apr 09 2003)
i had no friggin clue a piece of plastic you use to protect the screen of an electronic device had even a theoretic possibility of getting an entire review. Bravo. - by bigschlongman
Screen Protectors (1:40pm EST Sun Apr 13 2003)
Screen Protectors? We don't need no stinking screen protectors! - by flat phat big screen
G2 for Clie TG50 (5:11pm EST Thu Apr 24 2003)
John from PDA Screen Protectors sent me 3 sample cuts for my new clie tg50. I had Brando on previously, but was never satisfied with the haziness of the screen (they call it "glare reducing" feature). It took a little while to install it, but let me tell you it is every bit worth the sweat because the screen is so clear that you can even tell the difference between the one with the protector and one without.
Price is also reasonable, but be patient with the shipping as it takes a few days to make it here to the U.S. from Canada.
I would never go back to the sticky protectors from now on. - by Chris Lee
Funny NOT! (10:48pm EST Fri Apr 25 2003)
I can't believe the moronic replies some people have sent in on this topic. Screen Protectors have been discussed seriously on other forums with intelligent comments from pda users who want their units to last and keep looking great. Those of you who could care less should keep your derogatory comments to yourself and head back to the bar or wherever it is you hang.
I'd like to thank the person who spent their valuable time on this review and was willing to share it with others. Your work is appreciated. - by Notmuchamused
G2 screen protectors (4:57pm EST Thu Jul 03 2003)
I have hard time to find the place selling G2 screen protectors. Please advise me where I can order it. - by Kel
How did you order your G2s? (2:26pm EST Tue Jul 08 2003)
Chris, how did you order your G2s for the Clie TG50? I don't see in on the G2 website (www.pdascreenprotectors.com). - by fwt
The Best I've bought (3:53pm EST Fri Jan 09 2004)
I had recent purchase Additions Screen protectors and was very pleased with the quality of the product. More importantly it also came with a $1000 screen protection guarantee for only $9.99. website www.buyscreenprotector.com - by RED
Boxwave screen protectors (6:18pm EST Tue Feb 03 2004)
Hello all,

Just wanted to let everyone know we are here for support. Feel free to email me if you guys have any questions.

jim@boxwave.com
http://www.boxwave.com

*miniSync and Cleartouch win Handheld Magazine's Top Pick Awards (April, 2003) *
*BoxWave wins screen protector shootout on Brighthand.com!!*
- by jim-boxwave
dfghfdzbhfgthfgb (9:44am EST Wed Mar 03 2004)
dfhnfjhngyjhfdhdfsyhtyjhsdfhftjhftyj - by bhfshfgthtgrh


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